“You’re driving to Alaska? Why not just take a cruise?” my girlfriend asked with a quizzical expression on her face.

I had heard this many times before, from family, neighbors, basically anyone willing to listen to my summer vacation plans. I can’t remember how often I had to explain that my husband, Rick, and I were not actually driving to Alaska but rather flying there and renting a car. We prefered solitude and the thrill of exploring new places on our own.

My girlfriend was not convinced, so I babbled on about how you can’t really get to know the locals on a cruise nor can you truly get close to nature. Still nothing. I decided to pull out all the stops and tell her about how we crossed paths with a moose and her calf on our last trip. The baby animal angle usually works and, as my friend let out an “Aaah,” I knew that she was coming around. This time, I told her, we were going to explore Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula.

Situated south of Anchorage, the Kenai Peninsula is a wonderland of mountains, fjords, streams, waterfalls and all things majestic. Separated from the mainland on the west by the Cook Inlet and on the east by Prince William Sound, the Peninsula juts about 150 miles (240 km) into the Gulf of Alaska. At 7,000 feet (2,130 m) high, the Kenai Mountains dominate the landscape and, on the south coast, glaciers cover the mountains of Kenai Fjords National Park.

Due to its mild climate and abundant rainfall, the peninsula is blessed with a large variety of lush vegetation and fertile soil. Excellent fishing for trout, salmon and halibut make it a vacation destination for both visitors and Alaskan residents. Accommodations ranging from rustic cabins to luxury resorts are available in the numerous towns located throughout the peninsula.

We flew into Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, and were immediately impressed by its stunning location. Nestled between the waters of Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountain range, it offers a unique blend of native culture and urban amenities. Its downtown area was bustling with visitors to its many shops, galleries and restaurants, and we enjoyed shopping for distinctive native-made crafts.